Jusst Sooup Ministry can’t dish out soup at its new ranch, but the Rev. Dale Dunning won’t rest on her ladles.

By Michael Short

(page 6 of 6)

The board stated that the opposition had done a good job of stating its case and the decision was difficult to make. Board member Jeff Hudson announced that it was “unfortunate that we are in a position where we have to make a decision based on the ordinance.” Added chairman Dale Callaway, “No one is questioning the good works of the soup ministry.”

“Shame on you for what you’ve done,” said one audience member.

The Dunnings left quietly and quickly in the Jusst Sooup van.

The Board of Adjustment decision can be appealed to Delaware Superior Court. Jusst Sooup can also request a conditional use or a zoning change to allow people to be served in the soup kitchen. But that would require a public hearing, and much of the same opposition is expected.

There was no word at press time about what Jusst Sooup will do next. On Dec. 23, 2011, Dunning said in an email that there was “nothing new yet.”

It’s not the Dunnings’ first hurdle. Dale Dunning says there have been times when she didn’t know how the ministry would continue, no matter how hard they worked.

“There have been times when I thought this ministry was over,” she says. “I used to get very sad. Now, I just do all that I can do and give it all I can. When I get to my limit, I know others can help.”

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